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Tanzania National Assembly Speaker Meets Qatar’s Ambassador
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HE Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mussa Azzan Zungu, met with HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Tanzania, Fahad Rashid Al Muraikhi.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed aspects of bilateral cooperation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.Tanzania: Crackdown Ahead of Planned Protests
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Tanzanian authorities have wrongfully arrested alleged protest organizers and opposition supporters ahead of nationwide protests called for December 9, 2025, Human Rights Watch said today. The government should end its crackdown and immediately release all those arbitrarily detained.
Activists have urged people to demonstrate peacefully on Tanzania's Independence Day, known as D9, against the police use of lethal force around the October 29 general elections. The government cancelled the official Independence Day celebrations after President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed that funds for the celebration be used to restore infrastructure damaged during the election unrest. On December 3, police announced that they were arresting people who commit “online offenses” and have been “closely monitoring” social media calls for protests.
“The Tanzanian government is building on the alarming climate of fear that prevailed prior to the elections to deter further protests,” said Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. “The authorities should end their crackdown and respect the right of Tanzanians to peacefully express their views.”
Since mid-November, the police have confirmed the arrest of at least 10 activists and political opposition supporters for online posts connected to the planned protests. In several cases, the police confirmed the arrests days after social media posts began circulating that unidentified people in civilian clothes had abducted the suspects.
On November 13, the police announced that that they had arrested Ambrose Leonce Dede in central Tanzania's Ikungi district. They accused him of “organizing and promoting crime through a WhatsApp Group … under the umbrella of peaceful protests.” The police identified Dede as a member of the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), the main opposition party, and warned citizens to “avoid engaging in online communication groups run by people who have planned and continue to plan to commit crimes in the country under the guise of peaceful protests.”
On November 19, police in Geita confirmed that they were holding Kibaba Furaha Michael, a hospital worker and an administrator of a Tanzania doctors' union WhatsApp group, two days after he was reported missing. A person familiar with the case told Human Rights Watch that the arrest appeared to be connected to posts Michael had made in the group encouraging participation in the forthcoming demonstrations.
On November 21, the police in Mbeya arrested Clemence Mwandambo, a teacher known for criticizing the government online, and accused him of circulating “provocative” messages on Facebook and Instagram.
On November 28, police confirmed that they were holding Winfrida Charles Malembeka on allegations that she had published “inflammatory information” and was “inciting violence and protests” for December 9 through social media. The police did not specify the content or platforms.
The authorities have ramped up arrests of Chadema supporters ahead of the protests without apparent legal basis.
On November 21, police announced that they were detaining Victoria Swebe, the Chadema chairperson for Kyela district, along with three others, on suspicion of “incitement.” Swebe had been reported missing three days earlier. Chadema reported that another party member, Shabani Mabala, was abducted on November 29 by individuals who identified themselves as police officers. On the same day, Chadema reported that police arrested another party supporter, Lucy Shayo, in Tanga, and was holding her without charge.
Prior to the December 9 protests, the authorities appear to have intensified digital harassment and surveillance of activists, Human Rights Watch said.
On November 12 at around 9 p.m., police raided a hotel in Dar es Salaam and confiscated laptops, phones, and identity cards belonging to staff of the Legal and Human Rights Center while they were working at the hotel. The officers told the staff to report to the Zonal Crimes Office in Dar es Salaam the following morning, where their items were returned. A lawyer familiar with the case said that the police questioned the staff about allegedly conducting research on election violence.
The technology company Meta reported in its December Content Restrictions report that it had removed and restricted access to content in Tanzania following a request from the Tanzanian Communications Regulatory Authority to restrict access to three Instagram accounts for allegedly violating Tanzanian law. Meta said the items included “calls for peaceful protests and contained criticism of the government during the election period.”
On November 28, the United States embassy in Dar es Salaam issued a statement warning US citizens that “security forces have searched electronics for evidence of connection to unrest or politically sensitive content.”
Several regional and global bodies, including United Nations human rights experts, as well as Human Rights Watch, have raised concerns about extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and mass arbitrary detentions of protesters, opposition figures, and civil society activists following the elections.
On November 18, the Office of the President announced the formation of an independent commission, consisting of former state officials and retired civil servants to “investigate events that led to the breach of peace during and after the general elections.” The commission contains no members of civil society or the political opposition. On November 29, President Hassan asked the commission to investigate who had paid “those young people who took to the streets to demand rights.”
The government should reconsider the mandate of the commission, take steps to impartially ensure accountability for allegations of election-related killings, beatings, and assaults by security forces and unidentified persons, ensure broad participation in investigations, and hold those responsible accountable, Human Rights Watch said.
Both Tanzanian and international law guarantee freedom from arbitrary arrest and detention and protect everyone's right to freely express opinions, associate, and peacefully assemble without any undue restrictions. Regional bodies, including the African Union Peace and Security Council and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, should urge the Tanzanian authorities to uphold these obligations, end the harassment of critics, and cooperate with independent, rights-focused inquiries into post-election abuses.
“It's vitally important at this critical time for the Tanzanian authorities to focus on ensuring justice and accountability for the many serious rights violations following the elections,” Nyeko said. “Anything short of this will be a disservice to the many victims and to all Tanzanians' fundamental rights.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).Ambassador Chen Mingjian Attends Opening Ceremony of Painting Exhibition Themed on Tanzania-Zambia Railway with Tanzanian Minister
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On November 26, the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania co-hosted with National Museum of China, National Museum of Tanzania and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation the opening ceremony of “Shoulder to Shoulder on the Same Path: Painting Exhibition Themed on Tanzania-Zambia Railway” at the National Museum of Tanzania. Chinese Ambassador H.E. Chen Mingjian, Tanzanian Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, Permanent Secretary of Tanzanian Ministry of Transport Hon. Prof. Godius Kahyarara, Zambian Deputy High Commissioner to Tanzania Mr. Anthony Bwalya attended the event and visited the exhibition, together with over 300 people from various sectors.
Amb. Chen stated in her remarks that since its completion 50 years ago, TAZARA Railway has always been a monument of China-Africa friendship. Last week, Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the ground-breaking ceremony of TAZARA Railway revitalization project in Lusaka, together with Tanzanian and Zambian leaders. The railway of friendship will shine with renewed splendor in the new era. China stands ready to work with Tanzania and other African countries to carry forward the TAZARA spirit and deepen and solidify the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Minister Kijaji said that Tanzania-Zambia Railway closely ties the peoples of Tanzania, China and Zambia. Tanzania will never forget the solidarity and generous support from China and remain committed to strengthening the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
The exhibition opens to the public in Tanzania until January 26, 2026.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.Vodacom M-Pesa Tanzania Launches Cross-Border payments across the Globe
Vodacom Tanzania (www.Vodacom.com), the country's leading telco company, is revolutionizing cross-border trade and digital financial inclusion with the launch of M-Pesa Global Payment. In partnership with VISA, Alipay, Network International, Magnati, and MTN Uganda, customers can now make global Tap & Pay transactions using the M-Pesa Visa tokenized card, pay merchants in China via Alipay, enabled by Thunes, transact in Dubai through TerraPay-supported merchants, and pay merchants in Uganda directly into MTN MoMo wallets, powered by Thunes, all from the M-Pesa menu or the M-Pesa Super App
The process is secure, user-friendly, and eliminates the burden of traditional banking barriers for traders and businesses. Combined, these solutions position M-Pesa as one of the most advanced digital payment systems in Africa.
These innovations respond to the growing demand from Tanzanian customers and travelers who frequently transact across East Africa, the Middle East, Asia and globally, but often face challenges with costly, slow, or insecure payment processes. “Our partnerships with VISA, Alipay, Network Internal and MTN Uganda demonstrate our commitment to building a strong and interconnected digital payments ecosystem. Together, we are enabling people and businesses to transact across borders with the same ease as they transact locally, securely, instantly, and affordably. This is central to M-Pesa's Purpose deepening financial inclusion and ensuring that digital innovation benefits every micro, small and medium enterprise. Through this combined effort, we are opening new trade corridors, reducing the cost of doing business, and giving customers greater freedom to participate in the global digital economy” said Epimack Mbeteni, M-Pesa Director at Vodacom Tanzania
This launch introduces the new M-Pesa Tap & Pay Solution with Visa, the first of its kind in Africa, enabling customers to pay worldwide using their phones through the M-Pesa Visa card. Speaking on the M-Pesa Tap & Pay innovation, Victor Makere, Visa Country manager for Tanzania said: “Through our collaboration, we are enabling millions of M-Pesa customers to experience secure, seamless, contactless payments anywhere Visa is accepted. Tokenization brings an added layer of safety and convenience allowing customers to Tap & Pay globally using their mobile phones without exposing their card details. This innovation supports Tanzania's transition toward a fully digital payments ecosystem and empowers consumers and businesses with more modern ways to pay.”
Through Thunes' Direct Global Network, M-Pesa customers can now pay merchants in China within the Alipay ecosystem, supporting fast, secure international trade. Speaking on the role of Thunes in enabling payments to China, Andrew Stewart, Chief Revenue Officer at Thunes, added: “Digitizing cross-border payments is a game-changer for accessibility, and supports our mission to enable the next billion end users to take part in the global economy. Together with Vodacom, we are making it possible for Tanzanian businesses to pay Chinese merchants instantly through the Alipay network. This new level of interoperability and innovation strengthens trust in mobile financial ecosystems and opens new avenues for international trade.”
TerraPay powers international merchant payments, including the ability for M-Pesa users to transact with select merchants in Dubai through its global payment network. Speaking on the value of the Dubai payment corridor, Willie Kanyeki, Vice President of Sub-Saharan Africa at TerraPay, said, “At TerraPay, we believe in interoperability and enabling borderless payments. Our partnership with Vodacom expands secure digital commerce opportunities for Tanzanians doing business in Dubai, connecting African consumers to new global markets.”
As the enabling partner for merchant payments in Uganda through MTN MoMo, MTN plays a vital role in simplifying regional trade for SMEs across East Africa. Richard Yego, MTN Mobile Money Uganda Director, welcomed the collaboration saying, “This partnership marks a major stride toward seamless regional trade. Together with Vodacom, we are unlocking greater financial access for thousands of cross-border traders in Uganda and Tanzania, especially SMEs who are the backbone of our economies.”
With robust mobile money usage and mobile penetration in Tanzania, these solutions serve as strategic drivers for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and everyday consumers who need dependable, fast, and convenient financial tools.
As M-Pesa expands into a robust international payment platform, Vodacom Tanzania remains committed to building an inclusive digital economy and transforming lives through technology.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vodacom Group.Wingu Cloud Exchange Launch Marks a New Era for Tanzania’s Digital Economy
Wingu Africa (www.Wingu.Africa) today launches Wingu Cloud Exchange (WCX), a locally hosted private cloud platform designed for the wider East African region. WCX gives organisations a secure, compliant, cost-effective, and easy-to-use alternative to offshore cloud services. With transparent local-currency pricing, rapid deployment, and instant scalability, it enables businesses to grow workloads without complexity or unpredictable costs. Launching first in Tanzania, the platform will gradually roll out across all Wingu markets, including Ethiopia and Djibouti.
WCX includes Wingu Compute, Wingu Kubernetes, Wingu Drive, and Wingu Security, allowing organisations to deploy and manage applications while keeping data within regional borders. The platform integrates seamlessly with existing on-premise environments and complements global cloud services such as Azure and AWS, giving customers flexible, practical options that fit their current operations.
“Wingu Cloud Exchange is built in direct response to customer demand for a practical, reliable, and locally delivered cloud platform,” said Nicholas Lodge, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Wingu Africa. “WCX makes cloud adoption straightforward, compliant, predictable in cost, scalable on demand, and aligned with how organisations in the region actually operate.”
“The launch of Wingu Cloud Exchange is an important step for the region's digital maturity,” added Erkan Satik, Director of Cloud Ecosystem & Alliances at Wingu Africa. “WCX is simple to use, quick to deploy, and designed to give customers real choice. They can run applications locally for better performance, integrate with global clouds when needed, and scale instantly.”
Wingu Africa's investment in local cloud platforms reflects its vision to drive digital growth that is both sustainable and inclusive. By prioritising secure, interconnected, and compliant infrastructure, the company enables African enterprises to adopt cloud technology with confidence, agility, and regional relevance.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Wingu Africa.Contact:
Email: info@wingu.africa
Wingu Tanzania Limited
TIN: 153-503-915
VRN: 40-048165-C
Office Address
Wingu Tanzania, ESBC, First Floor, 344 Ghuba Road/Toure Drive
Kimbijo House, Oysterbay, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
P.O. Box 23179
t: +255 22 2296211
About Wingu Africa:
Wingu is East Africa's first specialist carrier-neutral data centre operator, with strategic locations in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Since 2012, the company has connected African businesses to global digital networks through secure, scalable, and high-performance colocation solutions. Built on technical expertise and regional insight, Wingu ensures carrier neutrality, empowering clients with flexible connectivity options. Committed to excellence in infrastructure, security, and service delivery, Wingu delivers world-class solutions tailored to East Africa's unique digital landscape.
For more information about Wingu Cloud Exchange, visit www.Wingu.Africa